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The King of Kings => The Desire of Ages => Topic started by: JimB on March 10, 2016, 06:48:03 PM

Title: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: JimB on March 10, 2016, 06:48:03 PM
Chap. 54 - The Good Samaritan


Listen to  The Good Samaritan

 






     In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the nature of true religion. He shows that it consists not in systems, creeds, or rites, but in the performance of loving deeds, in bringing the greatest good to others, in genuine goodness.   
     As Christ was teaching the people, "a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" With breathless attention the large congregation awaited the answer. The priests and rabbis had thought to entangle Christ by having the lawyer ask this question. But the Saviour entered into no controversy. He required the answer from the questioner himself. "What is written in the law?" He said; "how readest thou?" The Jews still accused Jesus of lightly regarding the law given from Sinai; but He turned the question of salvation upon the keeping of God's commandments.   
     The lawyer said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live."   
     The lawyer was not satisfied with the position and works of the Pharisees. He had been studying the Scriptures with a desire to learn their real meaning. He had a vital interest in the matter, and had asked in sincerity, "What shall I do?" In his answer as to the requirements of the law, he passed by all the mass of ceremonial and ritualistic precepts. For these he claimed no value, but presented the two great principles on which hang all the law and the prophets. This answer, being commended by Christ, placed the Saviour on vantage ground with the rabbis. They could not condemn Him for sanctioning that which had been advanced by an expositor of the law.   
     "This do, and thou shalt live," Jesus said. He presented the law as a divine unity, and in this lesson taught that it is not possible to keep one precept, and break another; for the same principle runs through them all. Man's destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law. Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought out in the life.   
     The lawyer found himself a lawbreaker. He was convicted under Christ's searching words. The righteousness of the law, which he claimed to understand, he had not practiced. He had not manifested love toward his fellow man. Repentance was demanded; but instead of repenting, he tried to justify himself. Rather than acknowledge the truth, he sought to show how difficult of fulfillment the commandment is. Thus he hoped both to parry conviction and to vindicate himself in the eyes of the people. The Saviour's words had shown that his question was needless, since he had been able to answer it himself. Yet he put another question, saying, "Who is my neighbor?" 
     Among the Jews this question caused endless dispute. They had no doubt as to the heathen and the Samaritans; these were strangers and enemies. But where should the distinction be made among the people of their own nation, and among the different classes of society? Whom should the priest, the rabbi, the elder, regard as neighbor? They spent their lives in a round of ceremonies to make themselves pure. Contact with the ignorant and careless multitude, they taught, would cause defilement that would require wearisome effort to remove. Were they to regard the "unclean" as neighbors?   
     Again Jesus refused to be drawn into controversy. He did not denounce the bigotry of those who were watching to condemn Him. But by a simple story He held up before His hearers such a picture of the outflowing of heaven-born love as touched all hearts, and drew from the lawyer a confession of the truth.   
     The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self.   
     "A certain man," said Jesus, "was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, which both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And in like manner a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side." Luke 10:30-32, R. V. This was no imaginary scene, but an actual occurrence, which was known to be exactly as represented. The priest and the Levite who had passed by on the other side were in the company that listened to Christ's words.   
     In journeying from Jerusalem to Jericho, the traveler had to pass through a portion of the wilderness of Judea. The road led down a wild, rocky ravine, which was infested by robbers, and was often the scene of violence. It was here that the traveler was attacked, stripped of all that was valuable, wounded and bruised, and left half dead by the wayside. As he lay thus, the priest came that way; but he merely glanced toward the wounded man. Then the Levite appeared. Curious to know what had happened, he stopped and looked at the sufferer. He was convicted of what he ought to do; but it was not an agreeable duty. He wished that he had not come that way, so that he need not have seen the wounded man. He persuaded himself that the case was no concern of his.   
     Both these men were in sacred office, and professed to expound the Scriptures. They were of the class specially chosen to be representatives of God to the people. They were to "have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way" (Hebrews 5:2), that they might lead men to understand God's great love toward humanity. The work they were called to do was the same that Jesus had described as His own when He said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised." Luke 4:18.   
     The angels of heaven look upon the distress of God's family upon the earth, and they are prepared to co-operate with men in relieving oppression and suffering. God in His providence had brought the priest and the Levite along the road where the wounded sufferer lay, that they might see his need of mercy and help. All heaven watched to see if the hearts of these men would be touched with pity for human woe. The Saviour was the One who had instructed the Hebrews in the wilderness; from the pillar of cloud and of fire He had taught a very different lesson from that which the people were now receiving from their priests and teachers. The merciful provisions of the law extended even to the lower animals, which cannot express in words their want and suffering. Directions had been given to Moses for the children of Israel to this effect: "If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him." Exodus 23:4, 5. But in the man wounded by robbers, Jesus presented the case of a brother in suffering. How much more should their hearts have been moved with pity for him than for a beast of burden! The message had been given them through Moses that the Lord their God, "a great God, a mighty, and a terrible," "doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger." Wherefore He commanded, "Love ye therefore the stranger." "Thou shalt love him as thyself." Deuteronomy 10:17-19; Leviticus 19:34.   
     Job had said, "The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveler." And when the two angels in the guise of men came to Sodom, Lot bowed himself with his face toward the ground, and said, "Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night." Job 31:32; Genesis 19:2. With all these lessons the priest and the Levite were familiar, but they had not brought them into practical life. Trained in the school of national bigotry, they had become selfish, narrow, and exclusive. When they looked upon the wounded man, they could not tell whether he was of their nation or not. They thought he might be of the Samaritans, and they turned away.   
     In their action, as Christ had described it, the lawyer saw nothing contrary to what he had been taught concerning the requirements of the law. But now another scene was presented:   
     A certain Samaritan, in his journey, came where the sufferer was, and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. He did not question whether the stranger was a Jew or a Gentile. If a Jew, the Samaritan well knew that, were their condition reversed, the man would spit in his face, and pass him by with contempt. But he did not hesitate on account of this. He did not consider that he himself might be in danger of violence by tarrying in the place. It was enough that there was before him a human being in need and suffering. He took off his own garment with which to cover him. The oil and wine provided for his own journey he used to heal and refresh the wounded man. He lifted him on his own beast, and moved slowly along with even pace, so that the stranger might not be jarred, and made to suffer increased pain. He brought him to an inn, and cared for him through the night, watching him tenderly. In the morning, as the sick man had improved, the Samaritan ventured to go on his way. But before doing this, he placed him in the care of the innkeeper, paid the charges, and left a deposit for his benefit; and not satisfied even with this, he made provision for any further need, saying to the host, "Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee."   
     The story ended, Jesus fixed His eyes upon the lawyer, in a glance that seemed to read his soul, and said, "Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers?" Luke 10:36, R. V.   
     The lawyer would not, even now, take the name Samaritan upon his lips, and he made answer, "He that showed mercy on him." Jesus said, "Go, and do thou likewise."   
     Thus the question, "Who is my neighbor?" is forever answered. Christ has shown that our neighbor does not mean merely one of the church or faith to which we belong. It has no reference to race, color, or class distinction. Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary. Our neighbor is everyone who is the property of God.   
     In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges. He died to redeem us. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, "These things I command you, that ye love one another." "As I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 15:17; 13:34.   
     The lawyer's question to Jesus had been, "What shall I do?" And Jesus, recognizing love to God and man as the sum of righteousness, had said, "This do, and thou shalt live." The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving heart, and in this had proved himself a doer of the law. Christ bade the lawyer, "Go, and do thou likewise." Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6.   
     The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians.   
     Christ has linked His interest with that of humanity, and He asks us to become one with Him for the saving of humanity. "Freely ye have received," He says, "freely give." Matthew 10:8. Sin is the greatest of all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner. There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me.   
     "Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness." Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.   
     All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law,--the principle that is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan, and made manifest in the life of Jesus. His character reveals the true significance of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves. And when the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7. And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12. 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: JimB on March 14, 2016, 05:31:28 AM
Again Jesus refused to be drawn into controversy. He did not denounce the bigotry of those who were watching to condemn Him. But by a simple story He held up before His hearers such a picture of the outflowing of heaven-born love as touched all hearts, and drew from the lawyer a confession of the truth.   
     The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self.
 

When my eyes finally fell on this and drove it's point home it was a new a thought to me. To not answer questions/objections/accusations directly was definitely not what I was use to doing. However, Christ is our example and it's easy to see now that doing this only gives them a reason to get defensive. Christ's ways are so much better.

      There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me.   
     "Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness." Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.
 


The world would be a much better place if more of us practiced this counsel. This reminds me of a time I was handing out flyers on a Sabbath afternoon for some meetings coming up. We walked up to a house who had a barbeque going on. The people were friendly enough even after finding out what we were doing. However, they looked at us and told us that they use to go to church but they that they were too bad to go back. We encouraged them to come and left. It is sad to see people believe the lies that the enemy sometimes whispers but also sometime bellows into their ears.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: JimB on June 11, 2016, 05:41:49 AM
The lawyer was not satisfied with the position and works of the Pharisees. He had been studying the Scriptures with a desire to learn their real meaning. He had a vital interest in the matter, and had asked in sincerity, "What shall I do?" In his answer as to the requirements of the law, he passed by all the mass of ceremonial and ritualistic precepts. For these he claimed no value, but presented the two great principles on which hang all the law and the prophets. This answer, being commended by Christ, placed the Saviour on vantage ground with the rabbis. They could not condemn Him for sanctioning that which had been advanced by an expositor of the law.  {DA 497.4} 
    "This do, and thou shalt live," Jesus said. He presented the law as a divine unity, and in this lesson taught that it is not possible to keep one precept, and break another; for the same principle runs through them all. Man's destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law. Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought out in the life.  {DA 498.1} 

I have always found this story interesting. One of the religious leaders was not satisfied with what was being taught and was brave enough to ask such a question to Christ no less. There are some today that teach we have no part in "doing" anything to gain salvation. And this is true to a point. There is absolutely nothing we can do to earn or buy our way into salvation. However, there is something that we have to do. Respond to God's demonstrated love and make a full heart surrender to Christ. That is our small part in "doing" and Christ will do the rest in us by abiding in us.

Jesus also said "this do, and thou shalt live." Was Jesus teaching legalism? Hardly, because He knew that to truly love God supremely and your neighbor as yourself would be a demonstration of what God has done in the heart. It is the evidence that God is sitting on the throne of the heart.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on June 11, 2016, 07:29:58 AM
Amen, Jim.   If we listen to the answer Christ confirmed, we know that only those who keep the law will be saved. Not our words, but just what Jesus said. Now, if this be so, who can  be saved? It is true, and all can be saved if they will learn how it is they can keep the law. If we never learn how to keep the law, we will not be saved. There is something we must do in order to be saved. There is something we must do in order to be able to keep the law. It helps to start with knowing we cannot keep the law in and of ourselves. If we have not discovered this, then we need to prayerfully read the gospels. Jesus tells us what we must do. If we cease resisting His love, we would all be saved. But, where is the power to do this?

Let us read what Jesus said when asked what we must do to gain eternal life:

 As Christ was teaching the people, "a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" With breathless attention the large congregation awaited the answer. The priests and rabbis had thought to entangle Christ by having the lawyer ask this question. But the Saviour entered into no controversy. He required the answer from the questioner himself. "What is written in the law?" He said; "how readest thou?" The Jews still accused Jesus of lightly regarding the law given from Sinai; but He turned the question of salvation upon the keeping of God's commandments.   

Jesus' answer is as clear as day for "He turned the question of salvation upon the keeping of God's commandments." But, we cannot keep the law unless something happens first. Let us continue reading.

 The lawyer said,"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live."  

By prayerfully studying the life of Christ, which we find in this most beautiful Book, we will hear the Words of Jesus and the reply from the the lawyer. "'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.' Jesus said, 'Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.'"   

Again, the question comes to our mind, what must I do in order to be able to keep the law of God? We just heard the answer from the lawyer and confirmed by Jesus. We must "love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and all thy soul, and with all they strength, and with thy mind; and thy neighbor as thy self." Thus, we forever know both that we must keep the commandments and we must love God supremely. If we do not, we do not have eternal life. Yet, many teach otherwise and deceive the church into believing they have life when they manifest a heart that does not love God supremely.

A new question arises in the mind of those who truly want to love God supremely, and his neighbor as himself. How can I love God supremely? I am evil by nature and can do no good thing as hard as I try. There is between God and me a large abyss. How can I reach God? From Genesis to Revelation we see over and over how it is that we can be reconciled with God. In Desire of Ages, we read it over and over. And, the answer is just what we must do in order to gain eternal life. Before we can keep the law, before we can love our neighbor, before we can love God supremely, we must learn of Him, so we will love Him. How is it that we can learn of Him who gave all for us?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 11, 2016, 05:31:48 PM
I love this chapter and how Jesus reveals His love and mission in the way He presented the story of the Good Samaritan. It thrills my soul to behold the loveliness of Jesus!

In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges. He died to redeem us. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, "These things I command you, that ye love one another." "As I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 15:17; 13:34.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on September 06, 2016, 06:24:58 AM
Amen! What a God we serve!

     The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving heart, and in this had proved himself a doer of the law. Christ bade the lawyer, "Go, and do thou likewise." Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6.   
     The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians.   

The Samaritan, despite his false religion had a new heart filled with the love of God. He manifested the fruits of the Spirit. Are we walking in the light of God's love? Do we love Jesus and our neighbor as ourselves?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 06, 2016, 11:52:23 AM
Amen, Richard! You made a good point about the Samaritan's false religion--but that did not prevent the Holy Spirit from reaching His heart. There are many today outside of the Seventh-day Adventist Church who may not understand the truth for this time, but yet they show that Christ's Spirit has possession of their hearts! This can even be true in heathen lands!! We must remember that the fruit of the life is what God sees as to the condition of the heart!

We see this in Matthew 7:

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Let us behold the loveliness of Jesus today, and continually, so others may experience the blessing that God would have shine forth from our lives!!

In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the nature of true religion. He shows that it consists not in systems, creeds, or rites, but in the performance of loving deeds, in bringing the greatest good to others, in genuine goodness. – {DA 497.1}

Only by the Holy Spirit is such an experience  possible, an experience in which all of the fruits of the Spirit are seen in the life – not one is missing!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on December 02, 2016, 04:19:00 AM
Amen, Pastor Sean. This answers the question as to what I must do in order to be saved. We must become as the "good Samaritan."  This ought not be a mystery. But, if we look back over world history, we see that for some reason, it has been kept from man since the fall. There is a battle raging all around us. We see the first signs on this earth in the Garden before the fall. The struggle continues. It is a matter of deception, deception about the character of God, and the character of man. Satan deceived Eve, and he continues to deceived almost the whole world. Yet, here this morning, we may have our eyes opened to the real battle. It is for your heart and my heart. If we wish to serve God and obtain eternal life, then read again what Pastor Sean posted. It is impossible to get good fruit off of a bad tree. If you have trusted in man, then you have been deceived. The Word means just what it says. There is more. You cannot get bad fruit from a good tree. What does that say about the person who manifests bad fruit? And what is the good fruit that is seen in the life of those who have eternal life? "Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance," not one is missing.

In today's reading, we find the Jews very interested in what one must do in order to have eternal life:

     As Christ was teaching the people, "a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" With breathless attention the large congregation awaited the answer.

As it was then, so it is today, there are difficulties in what is being taught in the church. Turn to Jesus and His Word if you want the truth. Do not trust in me or Pastor Sean. We are teaching the truth, but you cannot rely on another for your salvation or your understanding of truth. You must be as the faithful Bereans who after Paul taught them went home and compared what he taught with the Bible.

Listen to the Word of truth Jesus gave to Nicodemus. Study John chapter three. If you need help, at the beginning of this forum, you will find the chapter Nicodemus having  been stickied. It remains at the top of the page. If you wonder why it is there, it is because it will help you understand the gospel of grace. It is an inspired commentary on John chapter three, the discussion Jesus had with Nicodemus, a Laodicean. If you want to know the truth that you may follow it, then it is opened to you. We are running out of time. Jesus will have a  "glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." 

It is left with us as to whether we shall be a part of God's plan to restore man to the glory in which he was  originally made. When we make a full surrender of self to Jesus, we are a part of the glorious church! Jesus wants the whole heart, not a piece of it. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live."    This we can do today, by His grace.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 02, 2016, 05:37:32 AM
Amen, Richard! We can praise the Lord that God lays out truth to us in this chapter so clearly that none need err and fail to experience the gift of eternal life. We can give thanks that God plans to restore His image in us--and His image is self-sacrificing love which His Spirit imparts. True self-sacrificing love will ALWAYS be revealed in ALL of the fruits of the Sprit. The devil may seek to counterfeit many truths, but there is one thing he cannot perfectly counterfeit: Christian character. Those who become polished instruments in his hands to do "much good" (on the outside before men, like the Pharisees, lawyers, and scribes) will not be able to manifest genuine love with all of the fruits of the Spirit because they are bad trees--they are disconnected from the source of life, Christ. Unless one makes the entire surrender to Christ by beholding the loveliness of Jesus, it is impossible to reveal His Spirit. And what does the Scripture say if we have not His Spirit?

Romans 8:9 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

We are not experiencing salvation (eternal life, which begins now when we entirely surrender the heart for Jesus to recreate and make pure and holy by His Spirit) unless we have His Spirit. Without it we are dead branches, bad trees, and can do no good thing. Even the "good" that others may think we are doing will be polluted by selfishness. Only when Christ abides within is it possible to have a pure heart that performs good actions from right motives. This is the miracle of grace.

Today in our reading we see the power of deception in the Laodicean condition:

 Job had said, "The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveler." And when the two angels in the guise of men came to Sodom, Lot bowed himself with his face toward the ground, and said, "Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night." Job 31:32; Genesis 19:2. With all these lessons the priest and the Levite were familiar, but they had not brought them into practical life. Trained in the school of national bigotry, they had become selfish, narrow, and exclusive. When they looked upon the wounded man, they could not tell whether he was of their nation or not. They thought he might be of the Samaritans, and they turned away.   
    In their action, as Christ had described it, the lawyer saw nothing contrary to what he had been taught concerning the requirements of the law.

Interesting that Job is brought into this chapter today. As long as Job was connected to Christ, his actions were pure and unselfish. But as soon as Job took his eyes off Christ, even his "good works" became a stumbling block to himself and others, for he looked to them for assurance of salvation rather than to Christ. The point here in bringing Job into this chapter was to show that loving deeds are required by the law (as they will spring forth when the heart and soul is submerged in Christ).

Strikingly, the lawyer felt that what had been done by the Levite and priest in passing by the wounded man was just fine. This is amazing! So terrible is spiritual blindness, that when truth is brought right to the heart, the one who is blind sees not his true condition! Let us pray that Christ may revive and reform us by responding to the counsel of the True Witness if we are not abiding in Him and manifesting His Spirit in all we think, do, and say:

Revelation 3:14-21
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

May we see our continual need of Jesus, and today be in constant communion with Him, that the souls around us who are wounded by Satan we may minister unto, as through Christ the completeness of Christian character is attainable:

"Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever the profession, no man has pure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his brother. But we can never come into possession of this spirit by trying to love others. What is needed is the love of Christ in the heart. When self is merged in Christ, love springs forth spontaneously. The completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within—when the sunshine of heaven fills the heart and is revealed in the countenance." {COL 384.2}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on February 27, 2017, 05:34:17 AM
The law of God is greatly misunderstood. While it is the character of our God, it also brings condemnation to the sinner. God is perfectly just and will not excuse sin. But, He is also loving and merciful. He will forgive sin when the sinner is repentant or the sin is unknown and the life has been fully surrendered to Jesus.

The law cannot save, but it must be kept if one wants to enter heaven. When one is transformed in character, filled with the Spirit, the law is written upon the heart. The repentant sinner is a partaker of God's divine nature because the Holy Spirit is in the heart. This is the fulfillment of the "everlasting covenant" God made in the hearing of Adam and Eve just after they sinned. He said He would give them enmity towards Satan and sin, an enmity which fallen man does not have.

When we are born again of the Spirit, what is our attitude towards sinners? We love them as Jesus loves us. We know the world is unfair. We know it was not fair for Christ to suffer and die in our place. In other words, because we were unfair, Christ suffered and died that we might become like Him in character, that we might bear with the infirmities of the weak. And, we will do that if Christ possesses the heart, fully.

     There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me.   
     "Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness." Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.   

When we are converted Christians, we shall seek to help those who are unfair. We will love them even when they hurt us. This is the witness Jesus seeks in this world which is soon to perish.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 27, 2017, 06:01:35 AM
Amen, Richard! We need a new conversion every day--to take an advance step towards heaven as exemplified in how we cooperate with God in the work of saving and blessing those around us.

 The angels of heaven look upon the distress of God's family upon the earth, and they are prepared to co-operate with men in relieving oppression and suffering. God in His providence had brought the priest and the Levite along the road where the wounded sufferer lay, that they might see his need of mercy and help. All heaven watched to see if the hearts of these men would be touched with pity for human woe.

Let us remember that when we are placed in a situation according to God's providence where we would be able to help someone, that we need not feel we are alone in that work. Angels are wiling to work with us, and well would it be to remember that how we treat others is not only a witness to this world, but to the onlooking universe! Let us learn of Christ and let His love flow forth to others today!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 25, 2017, 07:23:23 AM
When we see Jesus as He really is, and we see His character of selfless action for the good of others as the true expression of the law of God, we will realize that only the truth that is brought into practical life is truth that we actually live by. Profession without expression in the life is not saving faith, but is a fatal deception. We need Jesus to do the good we find in His word, and we need Him continually!

 Job had said, "The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveler." And when the two angels in the guise of men came to Sodom, Lot bowed himself with his face toward the ground, and said, "Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night." Job 31:32; Genesis 19:2. With all these lessons the priest and the Levite were familiar, but they had not brought them into practical life. Trained in the school of national bigotry, they had become selfish, narrow, and exclusive. When they looked upon the wounded man, they could not tell whether he was of their nation or not. They thought he might be of the Samaritans, and they turned away.   

Could it be that familiarity with spiritual things, when not practicing them, actually becomes a curse? This is what the Scripture says:

Matthew 10:15: "Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city." The cities that received great light, the people who had every opportunity for knowing the truth but did not practice it, were regarded by God as worse sinners than the sexually immoral of Sodom and Gomorrah. So it is today. If we are professedly Seventh-day Adventist Christians and yet fail to walk in the light we have, what can save us from the judgment that results from rejecting so great salvation, and shutting the door to others who need the light emanating from our life and example? We are not islands unto ourselves--our life and character is to bear witness that Jesus is in our hearts continually. How?

By beholding we become changed, and well would it be to spend a thoughtful hour upon Jesus' life and ministry, especially the closing scenes, for by meditating upon His love we shall have a stronger faith, deeper love, and a rich imbuing of His Spirit so we can do what He gives us to do out of heart flowing of grateful, tender love for all that heaven has done to send Jesus as our Good Samaritan to save us from the pit of sin where we were left to die. Praise God for the glorious character we see in Jesus of our Heavenly Father's love for us! Behold Him and surrender the whole heart--and you will be changed to reflect Him in mind and character! What a promise of His love!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: JimB on July 27, 2017, 04:12:25 PM
 Man's destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law. Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought out in the life.  {DA 498.1} 

I know it looks like I am jumping out ahead of schedule. Although, we are reading on a schedule and in order we are not obligated to only discuss the day's current chapter. In studying for something else tonight I was reading this chapter in the DA and this one sentence caught my attention. I know what I hear in Sabbath School classes and from the pulpit. So I'm sure that if I were to repeat the part I bolded as they were my own words I would get an ear full from those around me. I can imagine the arguments now. But what is our destiny determined by? Our (individual) obedience to the whole law. Yes, we do it through Christ's strength in us as we abide in Him but we can actually obey the whole law.

This is why it's so dangerous to hear that from the pulpit that God's people will be sinning until Christ returns or the many other ways that sin is excused. How sad! If that is the case what is to stop Christ from saying.... "depart from me, ye workers of iniquity."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on July 28, 2017, 05:19:57 AM
Amen, Jim. The whole Bible speaks to the power of grace to cleanse from sin. Romans 8 reveals the great deception which is keeping many blind to their continual need of Jesus. It is clearly seen in the Bible that love to God and man is the keeping of the law of God, all of it. If we love God we will not violate the first four of the commandments. If we love man, we will not break the last six of the commandments. And the rest of the moral law revealed in Scripture, as we come to understand it, we will also follow if we love God with the whole heart. If we do not, then we do not love God with the whole heart.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 20, 2017, 04:21:56 AM
We need Jesus as an abiding guest in our souls so we can go forth to seek and save the lost around us, for His mission becomes our mission when we fully surrender our hearts and minds to His renewing grace. Then we are one with Him in mind and character by experiencing the transforming work of grace wrought in us by beholding His loveliness!

 "The lawyer's question to Jesus had been, 'What shall I do?' And Jesus, recognizing love to God and man as the sum of righteousness, had said, 'This do, and thou shalt live.' The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving heart, and in this had proved himself a doer of the law. Christ bade the lawyer, 'Go, and do thou likewise.' Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. 'He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.' 1 John 2:6." {The Desire of Ages, page 504, paragraph 1}   
     "The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians."  {The Desire of Ages, page 504, paragraph 2}   

"Many, many have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 504, paragraph 4}

May it be our prayer today to go and find souls who are "discouraged in the great struggle of life" and with love from Jesus, speak "one word of kindly cheer" to strengthen "them to overcome"! Pray for a divine appointment to bless another soul and see how God answers your prayer today! 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on August 20, 2017, 05:44:49 AM
Amen Pastor Sean. You were impressed by the same quote I was going to post. What a beautiful and practical revelation of our Father's love for each of us. Such a simple yet profound illustration of what our attitude will be if we profess to be children of God. If we are truly connected to the Vine we will be doing the work of Christ. It will not be an effort or hardship. We will not have to weigh all the consequences. We will be compelled to do the right thing because Jesus dwells within and that is what He would do. Our motives will be pure and self sacrificing.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on August 20, 2017, 09:41:35 PM
Amen!

Good to have you back with us, Sister Dorine! 

When we love Jesus with the whole heart, then we will love others as He loves us. This is the fruit of conversion. Here we see the law as a positive, not a negative. To love God supremely and to love our neighbor as ourselves is to manifest the character of our Lord as revealed in the law of God. If we do not keep the law, then we do not love either God nor our neighbor.

Yet, Satan has stolen a march on Christianity by bringing into the church heresies that allow salvation when not loving God nor our neighbor with the whole heart.

How can we reject the Word of God and teach contrary to this?

    The lawyer said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live."   

This is not salvation by works. It is salvation by grace, because it is only by grace being taken into the heart that we can keep the commandments which is loving God and others with the whole heart.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: JimB on November 15, 2017, 05:16:38 AM
"Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness." Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.  

Sometimes it doesn't take much to encourage someone. Here she says that one kindly word might strengthen someone to overcome. The story is too long for here right now but I know of someone who was brought out of a deep depression by a smile. If we have Christ in our hearts it will be natural to desire to help others. Especially if they are suffering in a way that you've been through and then who else better to help them? Who else will understand them? If you have received freely then let's freely give back.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 15, 2017, 09:17:14 AM
Amen, Jim! Jesus would have us think of others and their needs, because He chose to come to save us and exemplified His love in coming from heaven to be born our Brother, and then die as our Sacrifice!

I was reminded of how Jesus was treated when He came to our world, and to be honest I saw this story in a way I never had seen it before:

Luke 10:30 "And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead."

My mind thought of how Jesus came from the heavenly Jerusalem, came down to our world, and was treated with scorn, contempt, and left to die on the cross because of our sins--even the phrase "half dead" spoke to me, as Jesus' humanity died on the cross, but His divinity did not die. We can praise God that the story does not end there--He rose victorious on the third day and is our interceding High Priest making a way for us to be saved as we surrender to His winning, healing love. In considering the wounded man to be in some way a reflection of Jesus, I was reminded of Christ's own words:

Matthew 25:40 "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

If we leave people in need without compassion or help, we ought to see that person as though he or she was Jesus. Jesus was not treated well when He came to our earth. And yet we see how He treats us:

    "In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges. He died to redeem us. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, 'These things I command you, that ye love one another.' 'As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.' John 15:17; 13:34."  {The Desire of Ages, page 503, paragraph 6}

May His love melt our hearts to do the good we can where He has placed us, as by beholding we become changed!


Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 10, 2018, 03:35:38 AM
We have a wonderful Savior, who, in manifesting His loveliness of character toward us, in coming to bind up our wounds, has brought us comfort, healing, and salvation as we surrender our whole heart to Him. The way He has blessed and comforted us we are to impart. This Sabbath I am preaching a message entitled, "Wounded Healers"--reflecting upon how Christ, the one wounded and bruised for us, is able to have His blood and living water flow to our souls. We also, where we have been wounded and been comforted of God, are in turn able to share with others the healing that Christ has brought to us. In this way our wounds and trials, though painful, can become some of the greatest blessings of our lives, for through them God gives us opportunity to understand His character better and to share His love with others who are hurting in ways that we have been comforted by God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

"Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 505, paragraph 0}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on February 10, 2018, 06:19:53 AM
Christ has linked His interest with that of humanity, and He asks us to become one with Him for the saving of humanity. "Freely ye have received," He says, "freely give." Matthew 10:8. Sin is the greatest of all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner. There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me.

Father in heaven, it's impossible to misunderstand what this is saying. You have made it so plain. Forgive me for any neglect of others that I may be guilty of and make me more sensitive to the needs of others. Cleanse and renew my heart today and make me a doer of your word. Amen.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on February 10, 2018, 06:29:20 AM
Amen, Sister Dorine. It is indeed impossible to not understand what Jesus has said. And, in order to do this, we must be one with Jesus, we must have our hearts cleansed daily if we want to love others as Jesus loves us. Let us walk in the Spirit today that we might be His witnesses in a world soon to perish.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on February 10, 2018, 06:30:00 AM
Amen Pastor Sean.  God's love for us which has healed us, is to be the spring in our hearts that causes us to help others wherein we have have been comforted. It it the principle which brings about a transformation of character that enables us to love others who are unlovable otherwise.

     In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges. He died to redeem us. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, "These things I command you, that ye love one another." "As I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 15:17; 13:34.   

The question that comes to mind when we read this is "how can I love another in such a manner?" We need His love in our hearts first. Then when we love Him supremely because He has first loved us while we were yet sinning (grace), He writes His law upon our hearts. The "living water" flows through us to others.

     The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor....."if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12. 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on May 08, 2018, 06:06:43 AM
When we see His love for us, grace, we love Him in return. It is grace that converts sinner into saint. The we will empowered to keep the law to the degree we know it. We will not break any of the law that we know to be true. If we offend in one point, we offend in all because self remains alive and all we do is tainted with self.

   The lawyer said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live."   
     The lawyer was not satisfied with the position and works of the Pharisees. He had been studying the Scriptures with a desire to learn their real meaning. He had a vital interest in the matter, and had asked in sincerity, "What shall I do?" In his answer as to the requirements of the law, he passed by all the mass of ceremonial and ritualistic precepts. For these he claimed no value, but presented the two great principles on which hang all the law and the prophets. This answer, being commended by Christ, placed the Saviour on vantage ground with the rabbis. They could not condemn Him for sanctioning that which had been advanced by an expositor of the law.   
     "This do, and thou shalt live," Jesus said. He presented the law as a divine unity, and in this lesson taught that it is not possible to keep one precept, and break another; for the same principle runs through them all. Man's destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law. Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought out in the life.   

Those who are reading along with us, may find it interesting to note that in every chapter we read, we find the same lesson being taught. The love of Jesus transforms all who will behold it. The great deception is that we have life when we sin, but we are continually reading that if we will spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Christ, especially the closing scenes, we shall be converted, changed into His character. The truth is inescapable. We must be born again of the Spirit if we want to have eternal life. Salvation is dependent upon man being transformed into His image from glory to glory by the Spirit. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Cor. 3:18.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 08, 2018, 08:56:15 AM
Amen, Richard! Jesus' exceeding loveliness of character is so powerful in its revelation, and His love in the soul impels us forward to go and do as He did.

Last night, I had a very amazing experience--and it fits perfectly experientially with today's reading.

There are friends—brothers—all around us just waiting to be known, loved and helped. Last night on my way back from Hancock to Ironwood, I saw two young men who needed a ride and the resultant prayer we had together and sharing God’s amazing grace were a powerful blessing! They also accepted copies of Steps to Christ and The Great Controversy. I’m thankful to have made two new friends—Steven and Jacob—and then drop them off at the Comfort Inn. It providentially turns out this was the very inn I stayed at exactly three years ago when I first was introduced as the new pastor to the Bessemer and Greenland Seventh-day Adventist Churches. I love how God leads!

"Thus the question, 'Who is my neighbor?' is forever answered. Christ has shown that our neighbor does not mean merely one of the church or faith to which we belong. It has no reference to race, color, or class distinction. Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary. Our neighbor is everyone who is the property of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 503, paragraph 5}

"In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges. He died to redeem us. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, 'These things I command you, that ye love one another.' 'As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.' John 15:17; 13:34." {The Desire of Ages, page 503, paragraph 6}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: JimB on August 03, 2018, 05:51:27 AM
 For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor.

This statement though read many times in the past hit me with new force this morning. I've always understood that when you truly love God with all your heart that you will also love your brethren and even your enemies but I never looked at it in the reverse direction that how you treat others (including enemies) declares to the world what your relationship with God is like. I pray this morning that all reading will surrender our hearts to God and thus pave the way to show our brethren how much we love them.


John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
 

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 03, 2018, 08:18:12 AM
Amen, Jim! Love is an active principle of the life--it is Christ in the heart by faith--and when His love is in our hearts it will flow out to all around us even as we see manifest in Christ. Christ will live out His life in us as we abide in Him!

"In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the nature of true religion. He shows that it consists not in systems, creeds, or rites, but in the performance of loving deeds, in bringing the greatest good to others, in genuine goodness." {The Desire of Ages, page 497, paragraph 1}

I was deeply impressed by how true religion is about "bringing the greatest good to others." This thought reveals what true character and stewardship is all about. All we have and are is to be freely devoted to God's service and to bless others so the greatest good is brought about. Only with the Holy Spirit living in us by faith can we have wisdom to know how to live this way, and to respond to every impulse and faculty of the divine nature in living and walking even as Christ walked. All of the fruits of the Spirit will be revealed in the life of one truly converted, and every opportunity to do the will of God will be readily entered into as the Holy Spirit leads. May we be sensitive to those around us today so God will work through us to bless them! 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on August 03, 2018, 08:40:12 AM
How inspiring to meet together and share our thoughts from the days reading. Today's chapter hits right at the heart of true Christianity.

"Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians."

"When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me."

Serious thoughts for us to prayerfully consider. What does Christ see when He looks into the secret places of my heart?

Loving Father, I give you my heart once again to search and cleanse. Purify my motives and give me a heart that loves others and brings glory to your name. Amen.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: JimB on October 29, 2018, 05:27:23 AM
Again Jesus refused to be drawn into controversy. He did not denounce the bigotry of those who were watching to condemn Him. But by a simple story He held up before His hearers such a picture of the outflowing of heaven-born love as touched all hearts, and drew from the lawyer a confession of the truth.   
     The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self. 

This is always a good reminder for me that not every question and objection has to be dealt with. Just keep placing the truth out there. It's so easy to get drawn off course when we try to deal with every argument. Soon we find that we aren't even talking about the original subject. It's good to know and realize that we don't have to play the role of the Holy Spirit.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 29, 2018, 05:58:57 AM
Thank you, Jim, for sharing this encouraging post! I heartily say, "Amen!" When we keep presenting truth, the error does not fit. Recently I heard a story on a Seventh-day Adventist local Radio Station (Strong Tower Radio in Michigan) about a young man who was struggling with same-sex attraction and was not a Christian, but when he heard about how God originally made humanity male and female, and that it is impossible for two men to procreate children, the whole confusion was dropped in his mind and he went on to follow God's plan for his life from the word of God. It is encouraging to see how effective God's methods are in dealing with error and sin, because Jesus takes the place of the darkness of error and gives us hope!

I, too, was blessed by the promise below:

     "The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self." {The Desire of Ages, page 498, paragraph 5}   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on October 29, 2018, 06:25:51 AM
All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law,--the principle that is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan, and made manifest in the life of Jesus. His character reveals the true significance of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves. And when the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7. And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12.

I am so thankful for God's plain words. Some may twist it or ignore it but it is straight talk to me personally. There are situations we often face that have the potential to drain us emotionally, physically and even financially. We can find all sorts of reasons to not get involved.


I love God's timing because this reading has come at a time when I need it most. I am facing a situation that is going to take much of my energy and time to help someone deal with a heartbreaking experience. God has given me a second chance because several years ago this same person came across my path and because I  was working and had less time then I do now I kept her at arms length and made excuses. I feel so  ashamed.  I did not know the urgency at that time. Now it has become desperate. I rejoice this morning that God is allowing me to be there to listen, comfort and pray with her whenever she needs it. With Jesus in the heart life is a  wonderful adventure. Exhausting sometimes but such a blessing.

Amen Jim and Pastor Sean.  Your posts came in as I was posting. I am still learning the lesson of not getting caught up in trying to answer everyone's questions. They distract from the truth.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on October 29, 2018, 09:10:54 AM
Amen, amen, and amen! Jesus is the Truth! We love the Truth. There is no peace in a lie, but in the truth we find great peace.

In today's reading we again find God's servant explaining the gospel of grace. We are given living examples of how we are to live, and examples of how Satan had deceived God's chosen ones so that they thought they were rich and increases with goods, but knew not they were miserable, wretched, poor, blind, and naked.

The most important question we must ask and answer was the subject of our reading. "As Christ was teaching the people, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" With breathless attention the large congregation awaited the answer.'"

Why is this so important to us today, and to the Jews in Christ's day? Because Satan has stolen a march on God's church. Many have been deceived as were the Jews. What shall I do to gain eternal life (salvation)?  The answer is always the same, we need Jesus. Well then how do I get Jesus? He is calling to all of us. He wants the whole heart, not part of it. How do I give Him my heart? Love begets love. We will not love someone we do not know. Do I know Jesus? Do I trust Jesus with all I have and all I am? If not, then what must I do?

Listen to the Words of Jesus. Man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds our of the mouth of God. If we want physical life, we eat bread. If we want spiritual life (salvation), we must feed upon Jesus. The Word was made flesh. Therefore we go to the Word to know Jesus. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. It would be well to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus. This is how we fall in love with Him. By beholding Him we are transformed in our very nature, we become partakers of His divine nature. In today's reading we find the truth.

 "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live."   

We also find why it is that we love Him with the whole heart. And this we will do if we will spend time with Him in getting to know Him better. For love begets love. We love Him because He first loved us while we were yet sinners.

 In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges. He died to redeem us. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, "These things I command you, that ye love one another." "As I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 15:17; 13:34.   

 But, in order to have this love for others, we must first love the Lord our God with all the heart.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on January 23, 2019, 08:07:10 PM
"In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges. He died to redeem us. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, "These things I command you, that ye love one another." "As I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 15:17; 13:34."

We should all be reminded that a "Command" is not something that is optional!
   
"The lawyer's question to Jesus had been, "What shall I do?" And Jesus, recognizing love to God and man as the sum of righteousness, had said, "This do, and thou shalt live." The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving heart, and in this had proved himself a doer of the law. Christ bade the lawyer, "Go, and do thou likewise." Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6.

Perhaps this would be a good time to repeat the prayer of David when he had sinned as it says in Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
 
 The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians

Brothers & Sister in Christ....My prayer is that we all may be willing to do a deep introspection of our personal relationship with Jesus and determine by His grace not to be "hearers only---but to also be "doers " How awful it would be to hear Jesus say..."Depart from me....I never knew you"!!. I want to be able to hear Him say..." Well done thou good and faithful servant." How about you?









Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 24, 2019, 04:43:13 AM
As we meet our neighbors today--every soul for who Christ has died--let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and allow His heavenly love to flow through us to help those around us heavenward. Let us pray for divine appointments, and be glad when they come to us, for the purest joy springs from the deepest humiliation, and the joy of seeing souls redeemed!! Christianity that flows from the heart renewed by grace means doing what is kind and good, because of the love Christ has first shown to us! "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12).

"Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary. Our neighbor is everyone who is the property of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 503, paragraph 5}  

Let us be truly good neighbors to those around us today, and shed the light of a cheerful piety as we are on our way to heaven by His divine grace as we continually yield to its power to make and keep our hearts tender and renewed in the image of His loveliness! While we can do no good thing apart from Christ, when we surrender entirely to Him, He gives us a new heart and a new mind imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit so that not one is missing, and we shall delight to do His will!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: JimB on January 24, 2019, 05:35:37 AM
Amen pastor Sean... there are many around us needing help and a true example of what it means to be a Christian.

 In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the nature of true religion. He shows that it consists not in systems, creeds, or rites, but in the performance of loving deeds, in bringing the greatest good to others, in genuine goodness.  

A lot of times the first sentence/paragraph often gets over looked. This opening reminded me of what James said...


James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on January 24, 2019, 05:53:17 AM
"He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6.         
The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians."

Somber words to meditate on today. May we be sensitive to the needs of others as we move through this day. Quoting from Pastor Seans post;.... Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary. Our neighbor is everyone who is the property of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 503, paragraph 5}

Remove the blinders from our eyes Lord that we may be led to those that need our help today.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on January 24, 2019, 07:36:55 AM
When all is said and done, the love of God and of man are the two commandments upon which hang all of the law. To love God with all of the heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves is the true religion of our faith. Many look at the law of God as being legalistic, but they err in not seeing that love to God and man is summed up in the ten commandments. If we love God and man, then we cannot break any one of these commandments. They are a transcript of not only God's character, but of the character of all who are truly converted and educated in the religion of the Israelites and Christians. If we love God with the whole heart, we shall love our neighbor. The only power that can give us this love for others is the love of God.

    Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.   
     All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law,--the principle that is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan, and made manifest in the life of Jesus. His character reveals the true significance of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves. And when the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7. And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12


Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on April 20, 2019, 08:21:54 PM
"By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God. All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law,--the principle that is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan, and made manifest in the life of Jesus. His character reveals the true significance of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves."

"When saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 29:35"

"When the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7. and whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 21 "
Let us turn our eyes upon Jesus - Look full in His wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the Light of His Glory and Grace, and we be filled with a strong desire to pass it on to others so they can know the joy we have in Jesus who is the ONLY guide to all our earthly joys & sorrows.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on April 21, 2019, 05:57:09 AM
Amen Brother Beacon!  We need to live for Jesus moment by moment in order to love others as Jesus loves us. After all, what is a Christian? Do we not minister to others, as Jesus ministers to us? If not, then what are we?

     The lawyer's question to Jesus had been, "What shall I do?" And Jesus, recognizing love to God and man as the sum of righteousness, had said, "This do, and thou shalt live." The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving heart, and in this had proved himself a doer of the law. Christ bade the lawyer, "Go, and do thou likewise." Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6.   
     The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 21, 2019, 10:10:19 AM
Amen, Brothers Beacon and Richard!

The simplicity of the gospel shines forth as we see how love in the heart leads to doing all we can by God's grace to help others, even as Jesus has helped us who were in infinite need of His grace and salvation!

"In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the nature of true religion. He shows that it consists not in systems, creeds, or rites, but in the performance of loving deeds, in bringing the greatest good to others, in genuine goodness." {The Desire of Ages, page 491, paragraph 1}

I am thankful for this beautiful spring day as I realize Jesus invites us to merge ourselves in Him so His love will spring forth spontaneously to others!   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on July 16, 2019, 08:03:14 PM
I must confess that as I sit here at my computer and share this thought with you just now--I feel a Trembling type of guilt! The words below are what I call " Straight Testimony " It's so evident that this has never been an integral part of my daily life and I feel like I've have missed the mark for soo long. How thankful I am that we can be forgiven and by the transformer power of the Holy Spirit , never say again, "This does not concern me."

"Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, "WE ARE NOT CHRISTIANS!" "When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me."

Praise God for His great promise as found in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". God recommends and allows U-TURNS Praise His Precious Holy Name and for His Loving patience with such a one as I. Let's join together in prayer for one another each day that---"WE MAY BECOME MORE AND MORE LIKE JESUS"

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on July 17, 2019, 07:10:16 AM
"For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12."

That first sentence says it all. No exceptions. The story of the good Samaritan has always amazed me. On the one hand the coldness of the Priest and Levite who could carry on their way knowing this man will die without intervention. On the other hand there was no hesitation on the part of the Samaritan to sacrificially do what he could for this poor dying man. Not only that but to foot the total bill of whatever it would cost to nurse him back to health not knowing if he would ever see that money returned. What deep lessons are here for us today.


Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 17, 2019, 09:16:39 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

May we remember how much grace we need continually to reflect Christ to those around us, living in constant union and communion with Jesus!

"'Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.' Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 504, paragraph 4}

As we experience divine grace, we can help others because Jesus lives out His life in and through us! 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on July 17, 2019, 09:47:39 PM

What must I do to be saved?
     
     The lawyer said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live."   
     The lawyer was not satisfied with the position and works of the Pharisees. He had been studying the Scriptures with a desire to learn their real meaning. He had a vital interest in the matter, and had asked in sincerity, "What shall I do?" In his answer as to the requirements of the law, he passed by all the mass of ceremonial and ritualistic precepts. For these he claimed no value, but presented the two great principles on which hang all the law and the prophets. This answer, being commended by Christ, placed the Saviour on vantage ground with the rabbis. They could not condemn Him for sanctioning that which had been advanced by an expositor of the law.   
     "This do, and thou shalt live," Jesus said. He presented the law as a divine unity, and in this lesson taught that it is not possible to keep one precept, and break another; for the same principle runs through them all. Man's destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law. Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought out in the life.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on October 09, 2019, 05:45:58 PM
"There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God."

What a great example Jesus gave us when He was hanging on the cross enduring great physical and mental suffering, but when the dying thief reached out to Him...Immediately Jesus forgot Himself and reached out to the dying thief reassuring him that he was forgiven and would spend eternity with Him in His Kingdom.  I want and need that kind of love for others to be in my life. How about you?

Jesus promised to enable us to be His ambassadors and He said in Matthew 28:18-20 King James Version (KJV)
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
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Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on October 10, 2019, 05:48:13 AM
In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges. He died to redeem us. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, "These things I command you, that ye love one another." "As I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 15:17; 13:34. 

If Jesus was willing to do all this for the human race can we do any less for the soul we see in need? When Jesus resides in the heart we will see the lost through His eyes and will have self sacrificing love for them. We won't weigh the pros and cons. We will serve them with the self sacrificing love of Jesus. In the opening paragraph of this chapter it says that in the story of the good Samaritan Christ illustrated the nature of true religion. What a lesson for us today.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 10, 2019, 09:03:31 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

Jesus reached hearts by revealing the light of love in such pure, practical ways. As the experience of the good Samaritan was related, Christ was appealing to the hearts of His hearers to "go and do likewise" in seeking to bless others. Jesus longed for each to realize that only in union and communion with Him could they have the strength and capacity to minister as He did. As we receive the gift of repentance in turning from our sin to Jesus, He sends us forth on missions of mercy.

"The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self." {The Desire of Ages, page 498, paragraph 5}

I love this simple concept. We may sometimes try to deal with error or heresy by "combating it," but Jesus dealt with error by uplifting truth such that the error had no place. As we behold Christ, the Truth, we see the true glory and ideal of life, and are empowered to live as He lived by abiding in Him through the Holy Spirit. May God bless you to go and share the light of Christ's love with those He brings in your life path today.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on January 03, 2020, 05:04:57 PM
 "The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians."

God's counsel to us is this..."Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. 'He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6."
   

The work that Christ did on this earth His followers are to do. With the power and efficiency brought by the Holy Spirit they are to carry forward His plan for the restoration of the divine image in humanity. The Lord will do great things for them when they work under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. But they must place their entire dependence on God.—Manuscript 13, June 8, 1902, “God’s People to Be Light Bearers.”

My Brothers & Sisters in Christ....HAPPY SABBATH...May the words of this poem be our prayer as we worship our Lord .

LORD LAY SOME SOUL UPON MY HEART
AND LOVE THAT SOUL THROUGH ME
AND MAY I HUMBLY DO MY PART TO WIN THAT SOUL FOR THEE.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on January 04, 2020, 05:41:27 AM
"The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self." 

It's very easy to try and argue our way through a debate and it may even silence the other person but that is not God's way. Silence does not mean they have been convinced of truth. Convicted maybe but it most often strengthens their own opinion and hardens their hearts against truth.

We have a wonderful example in Jesus. As we watch and listen to his gentle and compassionate dealings with all people we see in Him how we need to be. God's love working through us will penetrate the hearts of others and draw them to the Way, the Truth and the Life. Then like the lawyer they have a choice to make. It's a choice we all have had to make. Is it worth forsaking self and pride to follow Jesus?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on January 04, 2020, 09:31:27 AM
Amen Dear Sister Dorine. It is our love for even those who are nasty and hurt others that will make us want to reach them with the truth.

I was impressed with the truth that our obedience to all of the law will reveal that we will make it to heaven. All of the law to the degree we know it.

     "This do, and thou shalt live," Jesus said. He presented the law as a divine unity, and in this lesson taught that it is not possible to keep one precept, and break another; for the same principle runs through them all. Man's destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law. Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought out in the life.   

Some have trouble with this because they know that keeping the law saves no one. It is by grace we are saved. Yet, here we read that "our destiny will be determined" by obedience to the law. Both are true. Obedience earns us nothing. Salvation is a free gift given to all who make a whole heart surrender to Christ. The result of that supreme love for Jesus is the empowerment of the repentant sinner to keep the law, all of it. To violate one is to violate them all. Why? Because outward obedience is not good enough. God looks upon the heart. If we offend in one point, self remains alive and we are not abiding in Christ. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all." James 2:10.

We may think we are keeping "the whole law," when we offend in one point, but the truth is that we are not any more than was the rich young ruler keeping the whole law when he refused to surrender all he had and all he was. Paul before his conversion thought he was "blameless" concerning the law.
"Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." Philippians 3:4-6. Yet, he was a murderer.

It is the heart that Jesus wants, the whole heart. If we hold anything back, then we are playing a game with God. But, that does not mean we have to continue playing make believe. We can spend time learning of God and it will change our hard selfish hearts. It is a promise. A new heart He will give us if we will allow His grace to enter our hearts. By beholding His grace, His glory, we shall be transformed into His image (2 Cor. 3:18).
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 04, 2020, 01:40:33 PM
Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Richard!!

God helps us in so many ways. Let’s share what He’s done to help others in and through Christ!!

“Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.” {The Desire of Ages, page 504, paragraph 4}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on March 30, 2020, 07:26:22 PM
"Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, "WE ARE NOT CHRISTIANS!" "When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say,"This does not concern me."

Praise God for His great promise as found in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". God recommends and allows U-TURNS Praise His Precious Holy Name and for His Loving patience with such a one as I. Let's join together in prayer for one another each day that---"WE MAY BECOME MORE AND MORE LIKE JESUS"
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 31, 2020, 04:52:18 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!

Praise the Lord for such a Savior as Jesus, who willingly fills us with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as we surrender the whole heart to Him and go forth to bring the light of His love to those around us!

"'Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.' Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 504, paragraph 4}     

Let us help others by relating how Jesus has helped us. As we experience the fulfillment of the promise: "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death" (Revelation 12:11), many hearts that were discouraged or felt their case was hopeless will hear of what Jesus has done for us, and they also may find complete restoration through beholding Christ's infinite loveliness and surrendering fully to Him! What a blessed mission we have to share the love of Jesus with others today as He guides us step by step!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 26, 2020, 04:47:12 AM
What is love? This is apparently a common search query online, and many have never known or experienced true love. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). The love that we see in God giving His Son to die for us, and the love that comes into our hearts as we surrender completely to Jesus that leads us to love others--that love is from God, for "God is love" (1 John 4:8).

 "'This do, and thou shalt live,' Jesus said. He presented the law as a divine unity, and in this lesson taught that it is not possible to keep one precept, and break another; for the same principle runs through them all. Man's destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law. Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought out in the life." {The Desire of Ages, page 498, paragraph 1}   

We cannot originate love or perpetuate it except as we allow Christ to live in us, "the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). Only as Jesus fills us with His divine presence can it be true that all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing. When the love of Christ fills and constrains us, He prompts us what to do and leads us to obey the Ten Commandments in how we love God and others. May we simply allow Christ's love to flow in and through us today!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on June 26, 2020, 06:06:18 AM
Amen Pastor Sean. Love....everyone wants it, everyone needs it, everyone talks about it but few seem to find it. Our reading today puts it into perspective and directs us to the real and only source of love and what it will look like in our lives.

..."All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law,--the principle that is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan, and made manifest in the life of Jesus. His character reveals the true significance of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves. And when the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7. And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 21, 2020, 04:33:00 AM
We can see Jesus in the true story of the good Samaritan. As Jesus comes to live in our hearts today as we surrender fully to Him, we can let Him live out His merciful, healing life to bless all those around us!

"In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the nature of true religion. He shows that it consists not in systems, creeds, or rites, but in the performance of loving deeds, in bringing the greatest good to others, in genuine goodness." {The Desire of Ages, page 497, paragraph 1}

When the loveliness of Jesus is manifest through us, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in the life without one missing as we not only live in obedience to the law of love, but let God give us divine appointments with those who are in need of help wherever we find them in life's path.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on September 21, 2020, 07:29:06 AM
"The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character..

Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be...

"Then whatever our profession, we are not Christians."


God's counsel to us is this..."Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. 'He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6."
   
'The work that Christ did on this earth His followers are to do."

"LORD LAY SOME SOUL UPON MY HEART AND LOVE THAT SOUL THROUGH ME AND MAY I HUMBLY DO MY PART TO WIN THAT SOUL FOR THEE."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on September 21, 2020, 08:11:13 AM
Amen Pastor Sean. When we love Jesus with the whole heart, we will love our neighbor and want to help him.

Amen Brother Beacon. If we do not love our neighbor, then we do not love God with the whole heart and therefore are not truly a Christian at that moment. When we love God with all we are and all we have, then we are truly living the name we profess.


    The lawyer said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live."   
     The lawyer was not satisfied with the position and works of the Pharisees. He had been studying the Scriptures with a desire to learn their real meaning. He had a vital interest in the matter, and had asked in sincerity, "What shall I do?" In his answer as to the requirements of the law, he passed by all the mass of ceremonial and ritualistic precepts. For these he claimed no value, but presented the two great principles on which hang all the law and the prophets. This answer, being commended by Christ, placed the Saviour on vantage ground with the rabbis. They could not condemn Him for sanctioning that which had been advanced by an expositor of the law.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on December 17, 2020, 05:32:35 AM
"When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me.      
 "Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness." Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God."

Where are these needy ones we may ask. They are everywhere. Some in prison, some on the streets, some in the grocery line, some who have been left alone through the death of a loved one, some in our own family circle. All are weighed down with burdens that only Christ can carry.  Let us remember that and be ready with a smile, an encouraging word and be ready to step in and go the extra mile to help someone. It may seem difficult at first but as we 'do' what we know is right the Lord is there to help us and it will become second nature because it will be Christ's love shining through us.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on December 17, 2020, 09:03:20 AM
Amen Sister Dorine!  Who of us would not be moved by this truth. How many have we passed by who are in need. Two came to mind this morning as I read. One is a lady that I have seen carrying her sleeping bag and other stuff walking around town. Not sure what to do, but it is not good to do nothing. She is probably a victim of drugs, but who knows if not concerned enough to at least talk with her.

All heaven watched to see if the hearts of these men would be touched with pity for human woe. The Saviour was the One who had instructed the Hebrews in the wilderness; from the pillar of cloud and of fire He had taught a very different lesson from that which the people were now receiving from their priests and teachers.

So it is today.

   The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians.....

His character reveals the true significance of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves. And when the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7. And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12.     
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on December 17, 2020, 10:12:23 AM
"Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession...

"We are not Christians."

"And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor.

"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12.

Perhaps today would be a good day for personal introspection like Paul says in...
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 17, 2020, 11:02:15 AM
Amen, Sister Dorine, Brother Richard, and Brother Beacon!

With so many errors and poor examples in the world because of sin, what is the true solution?

"The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self." {The Desire of Ages, page 498, paragraph 5}

Selfishness is death. Christ came to break the power of selfishness by manifesting self-sacrificing love, the true character of God, and show us the path of true happiness which is the result of holiness. To break sin's power and pay the penalty for our sins, Jesus died for us at Calvary. Now He is in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary ministering to blot out even the record of the confessed and forsaken sin of His people, as He is preparing His people to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator by living His character in this world consistently. When we live by faith on the Son of God, the Holy Spirit lives in the converted heart that is cleansed by the blood of Jesus and renewed by grace so that all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in the life without one missing! The effect of such union and communion with God is that we will gladly obey the law of love and seek and save the souls around us that need Jesus. Let us go forth today to bless others by looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on March 14, 2021, 07:05:47 AM
"All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law,--the principle that is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan, and made manifest in the life of Jesus. His character reveals the true significance of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves. And when the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7. And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12.

This is not something we should work for. It should be who we are. That's what Jesus does in our lives when we give all to Him. He takes us as we are and transforms us into loving, caring, compassionate Christians that are ever ready to see the needs of others and do what we can to give the help they need. Sacrifice is involved but what happiness it brings to see others lives made more pleasant because we did not pass by on the other side.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on March 14, 2021, 07:25:14 AM
Amen Sister Dorine!  Good works can save no one. We must be converted, then we will be doers of the Word. It is not something we are to work for, but something we do when we abide in Christ and He in us.

  The lawyer's question to Jesus had been, "What shall I do?" And Jesus, recognizing love to God and man as the sum of righteousness, had said, "This do, and thou shalt live." The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving heart, and in this had proved himself a doer of the law. Christ bade the lawyer, "Go, and do thou likewise." Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6.   
     The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians.   
     Christ has linked His interest with that of humanity, and He asks us to become one with Him for the saving of humanity. "Freely ye have received," He says, "freely give." Matthew 10:8. Sin is the greatest of all evils.....

When we have "dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character," then our character is not fragrant with good works no matter how hard we try. Read Romans seven for Paul's explanation of the evil within that cannot be overcome without a full heart surrender. Then we shall be one with Christ, partakers of His divine nature.  " Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Philip T on March 14, 2021, 07:38:12 AM
Amen Sister Dorine, and Brother Richard; The good works come out of love from a transformed life which is showing forth the Fruit of the Spirit within us.

"This do, and thou shalt live," Jesus said. He presented the law as a divine unity, and in this lesson taught that it is not possible to keep one precept, and break another; for the same principle runs through them all. Man's destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law. Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought out in the life.  

The law is to become a part of our every day life being implanted within us and then God's transforming power can work within us, as we surrender ourselves to Him. God is love, the law shows us his character, and as we walk the path of Sanctification, the law should shine forth out of us more and more in our lives as a witness to the love of Jesus as our character's change to be more and more like His.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 14, 2021, 08:59:34 AM
Amen, Sister Dorine, Brother Richard, and Brother Philip!

The light of truth and love from God is essential to transform the life. When Christ is lifted up in life and character, then the way He lived will be wrought out in us, for He abides in us to produce the same fruits of the Spirit without one missing accompanied  glad obedience to the law of God!

"The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self." {The Desire of Ages, page 498, paragraph 5}     

Selfishness is death, and Jesus came to die for us at Calvary to break the power of self so that as we surrender fully to Him, we can live to bless others by having Him abide in us!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on March 14, 2021, 10:21:00 AM
The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that...

"Christians are to represent Christ."

"Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians"   
     
Christ has linked His interest with that of humanity, and He asks us to become one with Him for the saving of humanity.

"Freely ye have received," He says, "freely give."
Matthew 10:8

Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God.


"He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6

By God's Grace & Power may we all be embued with Spirit of Love toward our fellow man and be willing to help and supprt as needed.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on June 09, 2021, 06:06:21 AM
 "Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God."

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Jesus is our example of how to reach our fellow mankind with the Good News of salvation is He not? So looking unto Jesus we see that this work He would have us do for Him to reach others is inclusive of both the Spiritual and the Psychical and we are instructed to provide to the best of our ability the needs of both, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The question is --- Are we doing that? and if not why not?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 09, 2021, 09:08:13 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon! Let us be all in to follow Jesus and bless others!

Jesus set us a worthy example when the question arose as to "Who is my neighbor?" He did not get into a controversy, but revealed love in a real occurrence (the story of the good Samaritan) and revealed what matters to God! When our hearts are truly converted, we receive a new heart and mind from Jesus, manifest all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, and will avoid being drawn into a controversy. We will seek to let Jesus use us to reach hearts!

"Again Jesus refused to be drawn into controversy. He did not denounce the bigotry of those who were watching to condemn Him. But by a simple story He held up before His hearers such a picture of the outflowing of heaven-born love as touched all hearts, and drew from the lawyer a confession of the truth." {The Desire of Ages, page 498, paragraph 4}  

When we realize we are on earth not to get into debates but to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in reaching hearts, we will find many precious opportunities for sharing the truth in love in a way that those whose hearts are open may be favorably impressed to make decisions for Christ and be ready to meet Him when He returns. May you choose to follow His path of selfless love today as He leads you by the Holy Spirit as you submit to Him moment-by-moment!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on September 04, 2021, 04:26:37 AM
"In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges. He died to redeem us. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, "These things I command you, that ye love one another." "As I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 15:17; 13:34.   

Happy Sabbath to all. Doesn't this description of Jesus and His mission fill your heart with love and gratitude and spur you on with urgency to continue His mission? I want to love like He loves. I want my heart to burn with the desire to see souls saved in His kingdom. I want a heart of pure motives towards those that despise me and speak evil of me. That's what Jesus does for us when we continually submit our lives to Him. Loving the unloving becomes a joy as we experience the change in our own hearts and the change he is bringing about for those we are working and praying for. May we continually work for the benefit of others as though we were doing it for Jesus Himself because that is how He looks at it.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on September 04, 2021, 06:52:07 AM
"Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness." Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy."

"Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one."

"Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God."
 
The Bible says in Luke 6:31 "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

This is not a "SUGGESTION" - It's a command of God to all who claim to be His children - Are we "WILLING" to say and to do His bidding?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 04, 2021, 07:01:52 AM
Praise the Lord, Sister Dorine and Brother Beacon!

Happy Sabbath! Let us look to Jesus and live and allow the light of His love to shine through us so the darkness of sin and unbelief are dispelled by His healing presence!

"The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self." {The Desire of Ages, page 498, paragraph 5} 

Selfishness is death, and Jesus defeated selfishness when He died for us at the cross. Now as we by faith can look to Him in the sanctuary in heaven, we can rejoice to follow where He leads in the selfless path of life and life more abundantly to bless others! All of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in our lives without one missing as long as we have Jesus abiding on the throne of our hearts in true surrender and follow in true obedience by grace through faith! Jesus is preparing us for heaven!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on November 29, 2021, 08:11:29 PM
I have posted these words before, but as I read them again they just hit me with the same conviction.

"Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession...

"We are not Christians."

"The spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor."

"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12.

Perhaps today would be a good day for personal introspection like Paul says in...2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Have Thine own way, Lord,
  Have Thine own way;
Thou art the Potter,
  I am the clay.
Mould me and make me
  After Thy will,
While I am waiting,
  Yielded and still.
2
Have Thine own way, Lord,
  Have Thine own way;
Search me and try me,
  Master, today.
Whiter than snow, Lord,
  Wash me just now,
As in Thy presence
  Humbly I bow.
3
Have Thine own way, Lord,
  Have Thine own way;
Wounded and weary,
  Help me, I pray.
Power, all power,
  Surely is Thine,
Touch me and heal me,
  Savior divine.
4
Have Thine own way, Lord,
  Have Thine own way;
Hold o’er my being
  Absolute sway.
Fill with Thy Spirit
  Till all shall see
Christ only, always,
  Living in me.

Lyrics:Adelaide Addison Pollard (1862-1934)
Music:George Coles Stebbins (1846-1945)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 30, 2021, 08:44:02 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon! If we are in any way unchristlike or not Christians, thankfully we can go to Jesus to be converted afresh and "die daily" to self! Only Christ can produce this miracle in us, but our part is to look to Him, believe with the whole heart, and surrender all to Him!!

Praise the Lord for the opportunity to let Christ work in and through us by His grace!

"Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 505, paragraph 0} 

When Christ lives in our hearts, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in our lives without one missing as we affectionately obey His law from a heart renewed by the Holy Spirit to go forth to bless others!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on November 30, 2021, 08:49:19 AM
"Christ has linked His interest with that of humanity, and He asks us to become one with Him for the saving of humanity. "Freely ye have received," He says, "freely give." Matthew 10:8. Sin is the greatest of all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner. There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me."

May God help us to be ready at all times to be conscious of those who are hurting and in need of uplifting to Jesus. It is very easy to be so consumed with our own agenda's that we do not even notice when someone is struggling.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on November 30, 2021, 09:23:15 AM
As I read the comments posted this morning, they were those which I wanted to share also. But, I had to leave them to post what I deemed God would have me share.

Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.   
     All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law,--the principle that is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan, and made manifest in the life of Jesus. His character reveals the true significance of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves. And when the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7. And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12. 

Has God comforted us? Remember all of the times wherein God comforted you? It is true that many times I have forgotten, but there are many that I remember. Then we are in a position to comfort others wherein we have been comforted. It is the character we manifest here and now that gives honor and glory to God. Those whom we comfort will better understand the character of God. We are His witnesses. We may say that it is His character, and that is true. But, we ought not stop there and give support to the lie that our righteousness is as filthy rags. It is true that we are evil by nature, but God has provided a remedy through His Son that we might develop a character that reflects His character. This can only be done by having the Holy Spirit in possession of our heart. It is only then that we are a partaker of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

As we read this morning,  "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us." Miracle of all miracles!  As we obey the truth we are being sanctified daily building up a character that more perfectly reveals our Savior. That does not mean we are sinning a known sin. No, if we sin we are not building up a character more like our Savior. Character is what we do, it is our habits.  Our habits, not the habits of God. He empowers us to keep His law which in turn creates in us the "imparted" righteousness of Christ. Of course that is not good enough, we must also have the "imputed" righteousness of Christ to cover our unknown sins and our past sins. Only Christ can atone for our past sins. The price He paid (grace) is what keeps us from sinning. It is by His stripes that we are healed. It is by beholding His suffering for our sins that we are given a new heart wherein the Holy Spirit abides.

Then being a partaker of His divine nature we shall do as did the good Samaritan, comfort others when given the opportunity that they may understand there is a God in heaven who loves them. "And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I [am] the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes."  Ezekiel 36:23.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on February 24, 2022, 08:26:23 PM
"When the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7"

"And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere.

"For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor."

"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12.

I was sinking deep in sin,
  Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
  Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea
  Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me,
  Now safe am I.
    Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
  Love lifted me.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
  Love lifted me.
2
All my heart to Him I give,
  Ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
  Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
  Merits my soul’s best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
  To Him belongs.
3
Souls in danger, look above,
  Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love
  Out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea,
  Billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be—
  Be saved today.

Lyrics:James Rowe (1866-1933)
Music:Howard E. Smith (1863-1918)


Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on February 25, 2022, 04:52:20 AM
The lawyer's question to Jesus had been, "What shall I do?" And Jesus, recognizing love to God and man as the sum of righteousness, had said, "This do, and thou shalt live." The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving heart, and in this had proved himself a doer of the law. Christ bade the lawyer, "Go, and do thou likewise." Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6.  

I have been praying for a friend that is sharing the most beautiful truths to others through email that uplift and inspire yet in their home are petty, unkind and selfish. May our lives reflect the words we speak because Jesus lives in our hearts. Family and  friends will know we love Jesus not just by our words but by our works as well which is the result of beholding Christ and spending that precious time each day in His word and keeping Him in our thoughts and heart continually. He will give us new hearts that will show to the world God's true character of love.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on February 25, 2022, 06:37:05 PM
Amen dear brother and sister!  It is God's love that lifts us above the evil in this world. Jesus does not say we are saved by grace, but we are told that when we love God with all of the heart, we will enter heaven. This is the fruit of God's grace seen and allowed into the heart. It is the heart God wants, then we shall love Him and our enemies.

   As Christ was teaching the people, "a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" ........

     The lawyer said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live."   .......

     "This do, and thou shalt live," Jesus said. He presented the law as a divine unity, and in this lesson taught that it is not possible to keep one precept, and break another; for the same principle runs through them all. Man's destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law. Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought out in the life.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on May 22, 2022, 08:12:36 PM
"When the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven."

"They are bearing testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7."

"Whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere."

"The spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God."

"The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor." Because....


"If a man says, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12.

May the words of this song be the prayer of our hearts. 

==========================

Earthly pleasures vainly call me,
  I would be like Jesus;
Nothing worldly shall enthrall me,
  I would be like Jesus.
    Be like Jesus, this my song,
  In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus, all day long!
    I would be like Jesus.
2
He has broken every fetter,
  I would be like Jesus;
That my soul may serve Him better,
  I would be like Jesus.
3
All the way from earth to glory,
  I would be like Jesus;
Telling o’er and o’er the story,
  I would be like Jesus

Lyrics:James Rowe (1866-1933)
Music:Bentley DeForest Ackley (1872-1958)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 23, 2022, 04:37:40 AM
Love heals hearts that are wounded by selfishness. Only Jesus abiding in the heart gives true conversion, true rest and strength to resist evil and ever go forth to bless others in His appointed way! Let us allow Jesus to be all to us and to see each of the people around us as those whom He loves with infinite compassion and pity.

"The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self." {The Desire of Ages, page 498, paragraph 5}   

When we turn our minds off of self onto Christ, we experience supernatural healing; grace changes us and heals our souls so we can go forth to bless others wherein we have been comforted of God. Yesterday I was deeply sorrowful as I experienced the processing of the grief of losing my parents (especially the loss of my mom--though it was many years ago) and felt the reality of God's sorrow for the lost souls around me, and in comfort with a dear friend have been experiencing His healing grace to empower me to go forth with renewed courage, faith and hope impelled by love. What a friend we have in Jesus and what a blessing when He sends godly friends into our lives to help us grow and heal!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on May 24, 2022, 09:51:37 AM
Amen dear brother! We are evil by nature and full of self. But, by God's grace the heart can be cleansed whiter than snow! And, by the power of God's grace it can be kept clean.. We must drink of his grace daily. We must die daily . We must maintain our connection with Jesus in order to retain our new heart.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on August 17, 2022, 08:21:53 PM
"The lesson of the Good Samaritan is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus."

"Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that...

"Christians are to represent Christ."

"Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be...

"Then whatever our profession, we are not Christians"   
     
"Christ has linked His interest with that of humanity, and He asks us to become one with Him for the saving of humanity."

"Freely ye have received," He says, "freely give." Matthew 10:8."

"Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God.

"He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6"

By God's Grace & Power may we "ALL" be imbued with Spirit of Love toward our fellow man and be willing to help and support as needed.

======================

1
Earthly pleasures vainly call me,
  I would be like Jesus;
Nothing worldly shall enthrall me,
  I would be like Jesus.
    Be like Jesus, this my song,
  In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus, all day long!
    I would be like Jesus.
2
He has broken every fetter,
  I would be like Jesus;
That my soul may serve Him better,
  I would be like Jesus.
3
All the way from earth to glory,
  I would be like Jesus;
Telling o’er and o’er the story,
  I would be like Jesus.

Lyrics:James Rowe (1866-1933)
Music:Bentley DeForest Ackley (1872-1958)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 18, 2022, 04:33:55 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon! Let us today be like Jesus by having Him abide in us!

How can the light of truth best be shared?

"The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self." {The Desire of Ages, page 498, paragraph 5} 

Only by abiding in Christ in complete surrender is it possible to be centered in God's love rather than in self. When we see Jesus and all He has done for us, self will no longer clamor to be recognized and we shall consider it a joy to surrender all to Him who died to redeem us at infinite cost to Himself. As we behold the loveliness of Jesus, we shall be changed into His glorious image and He will manifest through us in true conversion all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing. What a blessing to go forth in God's light of truth to allow Him through us to reach hearts for heaven!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on August 18, 2022, 04:34:49 AM
Amen Brother Beacon! I too want to be like Jesus. If we will learn of Him, if we will behold Him daily, if we will spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus, we will be filled with the Holy Spirit and His love for all, even our enemy.

Amen Pastor Sean!  And here is truth. If we do not love those we do see, we cannot love God who we cannot see. If we break one law, we break them all. If we do not keep the law as we know it, then we are not filled with His Spirit. And if we are not filled with His Spirit, we are none of His (Rom. 8:9).

  "This do, and thou shalt live," Jesus said. He presented the law as a divine unity, and in this lesson taught that it is not possible to keep one precept, and break another; for the same principle runs through them all. Man's destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law. Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought out in the life.   

God wants true witnesses of the power of His grace (unmerited love). All who misrepresent His character bring reproach upon Him, His church, and His Word. Have not we all? Then let us redeem the time and rightly witness to His character of love and justice. By God's grace we can keep His law of love. We cannot take care of all those we see on the street, but we can ask God to show us those we can help.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on November 12, 2022, 08:41:45 PM
"Sin is the greatest of all evils, and it is our duty to pity and help the sinner."

"There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly."


"They are hungry for words of encouragement."

"They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation."

"These souls we are not to neglect."

"If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say,.."

"This does not concern me."

"Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one."

"Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life,

"One word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome."

"Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God."
 
"The Bible says in Luke 6:31 "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."


Lord lay some soul upon my heart and love that soul through me
 &
may I humbly do my part to win soul to Thee.


====================
1
Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted,
Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard;
Not I, but Christ in every look and action,
Not I, but Christ in every thought and word.
    Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord,
  Oh, to be lost in Thee,
Oh, that it may be no more I,
    But Christ that lives in me.
2
Not I, but Christ to gently soothe in sorrow,
Not I, but Christ to wipe the falling tear;
Not I, but Christ to lift the weary burden,
Not I, but Christ to hush away all fear.
3
Christ, only Christ, no idle word e’er falling,
Christ, only Christ, no needless bustling sound;
Christ, only Christ, no self-important bearing,
Christ, only Christ, no trace of I be found.
4
Not I, but Christ my every need supplying,
Not I, but Christ my strength and health to be;
Christ, only Christ, for spirit, soul, and body,
Christ, only Christ, live then Thy life in me.
5
Christ, only Christ, ere long will fill my vision,
Glory excelling soon, full soon I’ll see;
Christ, only Christ, my every wish fulfilling,
Christ, only Christ, my all in all to be.

Lyrics:Mrs. Ada A. Whiddington (1891)
Music:Albert Benjamin Simpson (1843-1919)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Philip T on November 13, 2022, 08:05:29 AM
      In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges. He died to redeem us. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, "These things I command you, that ye love one another." "As I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 15:17; 13:34.   

God loved us more than we can understand, willing to come to earth, live a life of persecution, to be crucified, buried, and the resurrected that we may have eternal life. Jesus taught in this parable that love for all, as he has for us, is how we are to treat each other. We are to love all as He loved all of us. He is our example, we should emulate Him in our lives and dealings with others.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 13, 2022, 06:20:24 PM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Philip!!

Let us learn to appreciate the lessons of Christ and how we can be converted by yielding the whole heart to Him, to in turn go forth to bless others!

"In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the nature of true religion. He shows that it consists not in systems, creeds, or rites, but in the performance of loving deeds, in bringing the greatest good to others, in genuine goodness." {The Desire of Ages, page 497, paragraph 1} 

"The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4), and even if our lives have not been what Christ would have them be, we can be changed by beholding His love and receiving a new heart that enables us to grow in grace with a new character as we abide in Him. All of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing as long as we are fully surrendered to Christ. Then we will experience the impulse to help and bless others that will lead us to love from the overflow of Christ within us, the hope of glory!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on November 13, 2022, 09:12:52 PM
Amen Pastor Sean. We all see this morning that without love for others, we do not love God. For if we love God we shall love even those who despitefully use us. I find it interesting that many call this love "filthy rags." How very sad that the character God imparts to us is not seen by professing Christians to be what it is, the greatest of all miracles.

     All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law,--the principle that is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan, and made manifest in the life of Jesus. His character reveals the true significance of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves. And when the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7. And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12. 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on February 07, 2023, 08:13:12 PM
"The spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God."

"The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor."


"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12.

Do "WE" demonstrate the LOVE of GOD to "OUR" fellow mankind on a daily basis??

If not ...Why Not?? Could it be that "OUR" connection with Jesus on a daily basis is not what it should be?? Remember.."WE CANNOT GIVE WHAT WE OURSELVES HAVEN'T OBTAINED.!! "
Are "WE" Willing to Surrender to Jesus and be filled with His Love, if so then and only then will be able to be filled with mercy and grace towards our fellowman!!

 
=======================


1
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
    I surrender all,
  I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
    I surrender all.
2
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939)
Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)


Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on February 08, 2023, 08:24:30 AM
Amen dear Brother Beacon!!  Our righteousness, is it as filthy rags, or a reflection of the character or our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? God wants the whole heart so He can purify it and our character.

 Christ has linked His interest with that of humanity, and He asks us to become one with Him for the saving of humanity. "Freely ye have received," He says, "freely give." Matthew 10:8. Sin is the greatest of all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner. There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me.   
     "Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness." Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.   

There are many in the world who can be helped greatly by those who have gone through what they are experiencing. Thus, when we come across those who we can clearly understand their pain, we ought to comfort them as we have been comforted. Then we shall experience great joy. God wants us to experience this daily, love, joy, and peace, even amid the great storms of life.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 08, 2023, 12:49:30 PM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!!

Uplifting Jesus is the only way for humanity to be lifted up! As Jesus shared the story of the good Samaritan, He was giving us the opportunity to also be drawn to Him and share His life of love to bless others!

"In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges. He died to redeem us. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, 'These things I command you, that ye love one another.' 'As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.' John 15:17; 13:34." {The Desire of Ages, page 503, paragraph 6}

As we abide in Jesus by surrendering fully to Him, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing, we will gladly obey God from the heart, and ministry to those in need will be a delight even if it means inconvenience and trial. Love moves the disciple to be like Christ who went to the cross to save us!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 05, 2023, 08:57:35 AM
Let the light shine--the light of God's truth revealed in character--to shine forth to bless others!

"The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self." {The Desire of Ages, page 498, paragraph 5}

As Christ commended the unselfish ministry of the Samaritan who revealed a kind heart towards the man left by the road by robbers, Jesus invites us to receive from Him a new heart whereby we also can go forth to bless others. All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be revealed in the life completely surrendered to Christ and abiding in Him! He empowers us to obey Him because we love Him, walking in all the light that He has revealed to us by His love and grace! So when God gives you a divine appointment to help someone, gladly accept the opportunity and do what Jesus would have you do!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on May 05, 2023, 02:33:36 PM
Amen Pastor Sean!   How we love the truth!

Every thing begins and ends with Jesus. Let us reveal Him in truth and in our lives.

The lawyer said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live."   

If we love the Lord our God with all of the heart, the all else will work out!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on May 05, 2023, 04:06:02 PM
I must confess that as I sit here at my computer and share this thought with you just now--I feel a Trembling type of guilt! The words below are what I call " Straight Testimony " It's so evident that this has never been an integral part of my daily life and I feel like I've have missed the mark for soo long. How thankful I am that we can be forgiven and by the transformer power of the Holy Spirit , never say again, "This does not concern me."

"Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, "WE ARE NOT CHRISTIANS!" "When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me."

Praise God for His great promise as found in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness". God recommends and allows U-TURNS Praise His Precious Holy Name and for His Loving patience with such a one as I. Let's join together in prayer for one another each day that---"WE MAY BECOME MORE AND MORE LIKE JESUS"
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on July 30, 2023, 08:03:10 PM
"The Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition"

"He left His glory, to come to our rescue."

"He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case."

"He healed our wounds".

"He covered us with His robe of righteousness."


"He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges."

"He died to redeem us."

"Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, 'These things I command you, that ye love one another.' 'As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.' John 15:17; 13:34."

What Mercy and Grace has been extended to "US" Are "WE" willing to pass it on??n??

=====================
1
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
    I surrender all,
  I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
    I surrender all.
2
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939)
Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)

 
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on July 31, 2023, 05:20:29 AM
Amen Brother Beacon! We will pass it on if we are filled with the Spirit. We live to help others.
 Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.   
     All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law,--the principle that is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan, and made manifest in the life of Jesus. His character reveals the true significance of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves. And when the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7. And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12

It is rare to find one today who has truly  been born of the Spirit. We ought not be surprised.      The new birth is a rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy. They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not die, and therefore they did not rise to newness of life in Christ (Manuscript 148, 1897).  6BC 1075.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 31, 2023, 06:43:33 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!

Love only comes from God, for God is love. We get to dwell in His love so it can overflow to others as we surrender fully to Him. A truly converted soul will reveal all the attributes of His love--the fruits of the Spirit without one missing--accompanied by selfless ministry to bless others in obedience to God's law of love.

"All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law,—the principle that is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan, and made manifest in the life of Jesus. His character reveals the true significance of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves. And when the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that 'the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.' Psalm 19:7. And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor. 'If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?' Beloved, 'if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.' 1 John 4:20, 12." {The Desire of Ages, page 505, paragraph 1}

To abide in God's love--what a blessing this makes life, and what a blessing we can be to others through union and communion with Christ!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Philip T on July 31, 2023, 08:08:24 AM
Amen brothers Beacon, Richard, and Sean.

    Thus the question, "Who is my neighbor?" is forever answered. Christ has shown that our neighbor does not mean merely one of the church or faith to which we belong. It has no reference to race, color, or class distinction. Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary. Our neighbor is everyone who is the property of God.   


This shows there was never to be a wall between Believers and Gentiles, our neighbor is anyone in need, this is not meaning only physical and mental needs, but spiritual needs as well.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on October 25, 2023, 09:35:48 PM
'The character of Jesus reveals the true significance of the law."

"It shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves."

"When the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven."

 "They are bearing testimony to the fact that "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Psalm 19:7."

" Whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere."

"The spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God."

"The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor."

 "If a man says, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" Beloved, "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:20, 12"

Is the Love of God Perfected in us?? Then let us, by His Grace, love as Jesus loved us with ALL we come in contact with in our daily lives.

=================================
[b
1
What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
    Since Jesus came into my heart!
I have light in my soul for which long I had sought,
    Since Jesus came into my heart!
    Since Jesus came into my heart!
Since Jesus came into my heart!
Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll,
  Since Jesus came into my heart!
2
I have ceased from my wand’ring and going astray,
    Since Jesus came into my heart!
And my sins which were many are all washed away,
    Since Jesus came into my heart!
3
I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,
    Since Jesus came into my heart!
And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,
    Since Jesus came into my heart!
4
There’s a light in the valley of death now for me,
    Since Jesus came into my heart!
And the gates of the City beyond I can see,
    Since Jesus came into my heart!
5
I shall go there to dwell in that City I know,
    Since Jesus came into my heart!
And I’m happy, so happy as onward I go,
    Since Jesus came into my heart!

Lyrics:Rufus Henry McDaniel (1850-1940)
Music:Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (1856-1932

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 26, 2023, 04:38:47 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon!

As we become imbued with the Holy Spirit by surrendering fully to Christ's saving grace and partake of the divine nature, God calls us to ministry!

"'Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.' Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 504, paragraph 4}

There are souls in need all around us. With the overflow of genuine conversion manifesting all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, we are empowered to go forth to seek and save the lost in a continual union and communion with Christ! Praise God that there will be more souls in heaven as a result of us cooperating with Christ in His unselfish ministry!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on October 26, 2023, 04:46:38 AM
Amen dear brothers!  When we love the Lord our God with the whole heart, we will love our neighbor as ourselves.

     As Christ was teaching the people, "a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" With breathless attention the large congregation awaited the answer. The priests and rabbis had thought to entangle Christ by having the lawyer ask this question. But the Saviour entered into no controversy. He required the answer from the questioner himself. "What is written in the law?" He said; "how readest thou?" The Jews still accused Jesus of lightly regarding the law given from Sinai; but He turned the question of salvation upon the keeping of God's commandments.   
     The lawyer said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.".....He presented the law as a divine unity, and in this lesson taught that it is not possible to keep one precept, and break another; for the same principle runs through them all. Man's destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law. Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought out in the life.   
   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Dorine on October 26, 2023, 05:41:16 AM
"Christ has linked His interest with that of humanity, and He asks us to become one with Him for the saving of humanity. "Freely ye have received," He says, "freely give." Matthew 10:8. Sin is the greatest of all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner. There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me."

May God help us to always be like the good Samaritan who was willing to risk his life to save another. If we let fear, prejudice or indifference control our thoughts and actions then we do not know Christ and need to go back to the foot of the cross and be broken. Everyday we must choose between self or Christ. That's why this time each day with Jesus is so important. When we have the heart of Jesus we will be earnest in carrying on His mission of helping and saving souls.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Beacon on January 20, 2024, 08:27:26 PM
"Christ has linked His interest with that of humanity, and He asks us to become one with Him for the saving of humanity."

"Freely ye have received," He says, "freely give." Matthew 10:8"

"Sin is the greatest of all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner."

"There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly."

"They are hungry for words of encouragement."

"They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation."

"These souls we are not to neglect."


"If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin,

"We shall never say, This does not concern me."

===================================


1
Seeking the lost; yes, kindly entreating
Wanderers on the mountain astray;
"Come unto Me," His message repeating,
Words of the Master speaking today.
Refrain
Going afar upon the mountain,
Bringing the wand'rer back again, back again,
Into the fold of my Redeemer,
Jesus, the Lamb for sinners slain, for sinners slain.
2
Seeking the lost; and pointing to Jesus
Souls that are weak and hearts that are sore,
Leading them forth in ways of salvation,
Showing the path to life evermore.
3
Thus I would go on missions of mercy,
Following Christ from day unto day,
Cheering the faint and raising the fallen,
Pointing the lost to Jesus, the Way.

William Ogden
Music & Words: 1841-1897






[/list]
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Richard Myers on January 21, 2024, 05:41:05 AM
Amen Brother Beacon. Many teach that our righteousness is as filthy rags. This is true except they teach that what we get when converted is not righteousness, but just the imputed righteousness of Christ. That is His righteousness stands in place of ours. We do need His imputed righteousness because we can do nothing about our past sins, except repent. If not for His imputed righteousness to stand in place of our past sins, then we must die. It also covers unknown sins. When we truly repent, He imparts His righteousness to us, that it He transforms our character. We are further sanctified by obeying the truth. By beholding His glory, His character we are transformed into His image (2 Cor. 3:18). Unless we are transformed in character, we are not Christians. When truly converted, we love the Lord our God with all of the heart. Then we are given power to love our neighbor, even our enemy. We manifest the same character as the good Samaritan.

The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians.   
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Philip T on January 21, 2024, 07:20:03 AM
  Again Jesus refused to be drawn into controversy. He did not denounce the bigotry of those who were watching to condemn Him. But by a simple story He held up before His hearers such a picture of the outflowing of heaven-born love as touched all hearts, and drew from the lawyer a confession of the truth.   
     The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self.



Confronting and arguing with those you wish to win to Christ does not work, we need to show the love of Christ to them. Keep Jesus in the middle of your study.  The only way to dispel sin, error and darkness is to present truth with a loving and kind heart.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--54--The Good Samaritan
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 21, 2024, 09:17:41 AM
Amen, Brother Beacon, Brother Richard, and Brother Philip!

True righteousness by faith, which you shared, Brother Richard, admits our need of Christ's imputed righteousness, but it does not neglect the imparted righteousness of Christ. The Lord keeps putting on my heart to share about the need to have all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as we walk in harmony with all of the light God has revealed to us (which will come when the WHOLE heart is yielded to Jesus), because this is how we can have the genuine white raiment that is offered to us as curative of the Laodicean condition. One of the reasons it is so hard for people to overcome sin is that they have been deceived to think they do not need to, or cannot have that experience. Yet, when Christ abides in the heart, He gives the soul gold tried in the fire (faith working by love), white raiment (Christ's imputed and imparted righteousness), and His genuine eye salve (the anointing of the Holy Spirit to give us spiritual discernment to realize our continual need of Jesus and walk in the light as God teaches us moment-by-moment). Thus, the good news is not just forgiveness, but transformation! Genuine righteousness by faith makes the converted, repentant sinner a saint in the sight of a holy God, even though such a child of His may still have so much to learn (praise God He is merciful and forgiving of our unknown sin). But as further light comes to us, those things that at one point may have been unknown become known to us, and if we truly love God wholeheartedly and our neighbor as ourselves, we will accept the light and freely receive correction to be changed more fully into the image of Christ. Thus, reproof and correction is a BLESSING! God looks upon the heart. He reads the motives. Only Jesus can make those pure as white snow. Let us continually accept Jesus' living invitation to give us His new experience, for it is such a joy! May we walk in the light as He is in the light as true missionaries!! Hallelujah!

We all need help. In Jesus we find infinite help for our infinite need. Only He can redeem and uplift us from the ruin and degradation which sin has wrought. But when we fully surrender to Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing and we shall be enabled to reflect Christ's character to those who need hope and healing. Abiding in Jesus makes it possible for us to be true, effectual medical missionaries to seek and save the lost. The kind, merciful man--who just happened to be a Samaritan--was just such an example of revealing Christ's character. We are to "go and do likewise."

"'Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.' Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 504, paragraph 4}

Praise God for the gift of salvation that motivates and empowers us to live like Christ. There is no greater joy than keeping Jesus first, putting others next, and self last.